Domínio do Açor is a promising new venture in Portugal’s Dão region that has quickly established itself among the area’s top producers. Located in Oliveira do Conde, Viseu, this vineyard-based project was initiated by a consortium of Brazilian wine enthusiasts, including sommelier Guilherme Corrêa and Igor Beron. Guilherme serves as the regisseur, while Luis Lopes… Read More »
Typical of the industry, a big multinational acquires a family-owned company, only to make sweeping changes. This is the case with Joseph Phelps Winery, an esteemed Napa Valley estate that recently came under the ownership of LVMH. Following the death of founder Joseph Phelps in 2015, the winery transitioned through generations until LVMH purchased it… Read More »
Back in June 2025, I spent a day with Rui Lucas, an innovative winemaker in Portugal’s Bairrada region, known for producing unique wines from intriguing vineyard blocks. The winery’s name combines Rui’s surname with that of his great grandfather, José Francisco Prior, a priest who once cultivated vineyards in Souselas. Over the years, those vines… Read More »
This informal tasting took place after the Porto Protocol Living Vineyards day at Staffelterhof in the Mosel, showcasing several innovative wine projects from Luxembourg and Germany. Kox Run by Laurent and Rita Kox along with their daughter Corinne in Luxembourg, Kox winery is exploring new directions in winemaking, including the use of qvevri. Corinne’s scientific… Read More »
Changyu Longyu Estate: A Fine Wine Journey in Ningxia Located in Ningxia province, the Changyu Longyu Estate represents a significant venture in China’s fine wine landscape. Established in 2013, this sprawling estate features a château modeled after Bordeaux grand designs and attracts approximately 40,000 visitors annually. The estate showcases the long history of Changyu—one of… Read More »
We begin the year with a detailed analysis of the challenging 2024 vintage in Burgundy, along with a nostalgic visit to Napa’s legendary Heitz Cellar. Our Regional Editors have also curated wine highlights from 2025. For those opting for a dry or moderate January, we explore the growing trend of shrub-based, alcohol-free beverages and suggest… Read More »
Alentejo producer Cortes de Cima has undergone a significant transformation since Anna Jørgensen took over from her parents in 2019. The winery has shifted towards low intervention winemaking, employing organic, biodynamic, and regenerative practices in its vineyard management. With its latest collection of wines, Cortes de Cima is confidently establishing its reputation in the wine… Read More »
Collioure: Compelling Exoticism and Originality The wines from Collioure, a unique region in Mediterranean France, are notable for their richness and finesse. The picturesque area features steep, schist-laden hills that rise dramatically from the sea, creating ideal terraced vineyards. Historically, these vineyards benefited from a long-standing wine-growing tradition, but faced challenges, including the devastation caused… Read More »
I have a strong appreciation for Chablis, but it’s crucial to select producers wisely, as the quality can vary significantly within the region. Below is my curated list of the best Chablis producers, with top choices highlighted first. Notably, I mention the two most renowned producers at the end; their wines are highly sought after,… Read More »
In the modern wine industry, aging wine in barrels is often seen as a way to enhance style, yet historically, barrels primarily served the purpose of storage. Rod Phillips explores when barrels transitioned from mere containers to significant players in winemaking aesthetics. Consider contemporary barrel rooms where barrels are aligned with precision, filled with maturing… Read More »